Taiwan Closes 931 Flights as Typhoon Champi Weakens

Taiwan halted all air travel on Friday, cancelling 931 flights as Typhoon Champi swept past the island. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to the region, prompting the government to close schools and offices. High-speed rail lines along the western coast kept running, and the subway system in Taipei remained open to commuters.

The Transport Ministry reported the cancellation of 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights. The Central Weather Administration advised residents in coastal zones to stay indoors and avoid driving. They warned people to look out for falling debris. The storm's center stayed offshore as it moved north from the southeastern approach.

The weather system peaked at 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. By Friday, it had slowed to 155 kilometres per hour. Its radius spans about 320 kilometres, a width that covers most of the island. Experts expect the heaviest impacts in Taiwan to continue through Saturday before the system moves toward Japan's southwestern islands.

One person died on Thursday in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. The fire department said waves swept the victim away. Another 94 people sustained injuries during the storm. Government officials stated that more than 2,600 residents evacuated from mountainous areas. These evacuations targeted zones considered most vulnerable to landslides and flooding.

The typhoon also reached Japan's southwestern region. A woman in her 70s broke her leg in Miyako Island due to strong winds. Nearly 2,000 homes in Ishigaki Island lost power. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled. The storm is expected to hit Japan's southern mainland on Monday.

In the northern Philippines, the coast guard banned ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters. Aviation officials closed the main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province. Two local flights were cancelled, and workers boarded up the airport windows. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, with almost 100 staying in government shelters. Classes were suspended in Calayan.

Champi previously passed over several Pacific islands, including Guam. A federal disaster area was declared there earlier this month. The storm continues its northward path, affecting transport and daily life across the region.